Safety barriers will be installed at three locations along State Highway 43 over the next two months. These sites will be the first of a larger safety barrier package for the highway.
“The initial barrier sites are located near Toko, at Whangamomona, and Aukopae. In addition, there will be barriers constructed at multiple locations along the route over the next twelve months,” says Regional Manager Infrastructure Delivery Rob Partridge.
Other safety improvement works along the route have now been completed, including the installation of approximately 220 safety warning signs, tree removal and sealing of rest areas.
Planning is also underway for sealing the remaining 10km section of road through the Tāngarākau Gorge. Construction will start later this year once we have the necessary warmer temperatures and fine weather to undertake this work. The remaining sealing work will happen over the next two construction seasons and is expected to be completed in early 2024.
These improvements to SH43 are funded by Kānoa – Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit and the regional allocation of NZ Upgrade Programme.
Crews are continuing to clear slips and debris from SH43, following recent severe weather in the region. There were more than 40 slips along the highway and the road was closed at the Tahora Saddle due to flooding.
Multiple areas remain under temporary traffic control while awaiting geotechnical assessment. Road users can expect delays of approximately 5-10 minutes until further notice.
“Once all the slips have been cleared, crews will be working to clear the water table blockages and blocked culverts,” says Mr Partridge.
Waka Kotahi thanks the local community for their patience and cooperation while these slips are cleared and reminds road users to take care on SH43 and drive to the conditions.
